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Rise of Nationalism and Indian National Congress PYQs – Modern History, SSC & Railway

59 Rise of Nationalism and Indian National Congress (Modern History) questions asked in recent SSC and Railway exams, newest first, with exam, date & shift, answers and solutions.

📚 59 questionsSSC 10 · Railway 49
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 20 June 2026 Shift 2 · Extremists - leaders and methods

Q1. Which of the following activities formed a central component of the extremist strategy of political mobilisation in the early nationalist phase of India's freedom strugle?

  1. (a) Limiting participation to educated elites through controlled political forums
  2. (b) Adopting British constitutional practices as the primary model for reform
  3. (c) Promoting swadeshi through the boycott of foreign goods and local production
  4. (d) Replacing mass meetings with secret organisations focused on covert action
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Promoting swadeshi through the boycott of foreign goods and local production

Topic: Extremist Strategy in Early Nationalist Movement
Extremist Leaders:Lal-Bal-Pal (Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal), Aurobindo Ghosh.
Key Strategy - Swadeshi Movement (1905-1908):
Boycott of British goods and promotion of indigenous products.
Mass mobilization through public meetings, processions, and festivals.
Economic self-reliance as tool for political freedom.
Why other options incorrect:
Option 1: Extremists wanted mass participation, not elite-only.
Option 2: They rejected British constitutional methods as inadequate.
Option 4: They used public mass movements, not secret organizations.
Answer: Option 3 → Promoting swadeshi through the boycott of foreign goods and local production
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 20 June 2026 Shift 3 · Moderates - leaders and methods

Q2. Which statement correctly describes the role of Gopal Krishna Gokhale in the early Indian National Movement?

  1. (a) He initiated armed revolutionary propaganda against British oppression.
  2. (b) He founded the Swaraj Party in 1923 to contest British-imposed elections.
  3. (c) He worked via constitutional reforms and moderate methods, respected as Gandhi’s political mentor.
  4. (d) He led the Salt March in 1930 as a protest against the salt tax.
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) He worked via constitutional reforms and moderate methods, respected as Gandhi’s political mentor.

Gopal Krishna Gokhale (1866-1915)
Key Role:Leader of the Moderate faction in Indian National Congress.
Methods:Believed in constitutional reforms, petitions, and dialogue with British authorities.
Contributions:Founded Servants of India Society (1905) for social service and political education.
Gandhi's Mentor:Mahatma Gandhi called him his political guru and mentor.
Other Options:Armed revolution (Bhagat Singh), Swaraj Party (Motilal Nehru & C.R. Das), Salt March (Gandhi 1930).
Answer: Option 3 → He worked via constitutional reforms and moderate methods, respected as Gandhi's political mentor.
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 19 June 2026 Shift 1 · Surat Split

Q3. The split between Moderates and Extremists in the Indian National Congress took place at the 1907 session held at:

  1. (a) Calcutta
  2. (b) Lahore
  3. (c) Bombay
  4. (d) Surat
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Surat

Topic: Indian National Congress Split (1907)
The historic split betweenModeratesandExtremistsoccurred at theSurat Session (1907).
Key Facts:
• Moderates led by Gopal Krishna Gokhale
• Extremists led by Bal Gangadhar Tilak
• Dispute over election of Congress President and methods
• Session ended in chaos with physical confrontation
Answer: Option 4 → Surat
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 19 June 2026 Shift 3 · Foundation of the INC (1885)

Q4. Who among the following was NOT a founding member of the Indian National Congress?

  1. (a) Dinshaw Wacha
  2. (b) William Wedderburn
  3. (c) John Jardine
  4. (d) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Bal Gangadhar Tilak

Indian National Congress - Founding Members (1885)
Founded byA.O. Humein December 1885 in Bombay.
Key Founding Members:
• Dinshaw Wacha - Parsi leader, attended first session
• William Wedderburn - British civil servant, early supporter
• John Jardine - British official, founding member
Bal Gangadhar Tilak:
Joined INC later in 1890s, became extremist leader.
Known as 'Lokmanya' and 'Father of Indian Unrest'.
Answer: Option 4 → Bal Gangadhar Tilak
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 16 June 2026 Shift 1 · Extremists - leaders and methods

Q5. Which period is associated with the Extremist phase of the Indian National Congress?

  1. (a) 1905–1919
  2. (b) 1920–1947
  3. (c) 1947–1950
  4. (d) 1885–1905
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) 1905–1919

Topic: Indian National Congress - Extremist Phase
The INC had three major phases:
1.Moderate Phase (1885–1905)- Constitutional methods
2.Extremist Phase (1905–1919)- Aggressive nationalism
3.Gandhian Phase (1920–1947)- Mass movements
Extremist Phase (1905–1919):
Started with Partition of Bengal (1905)
Leaders: Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, Bipin Chandra Pal
Methods: Boycott, Swadeshi, National Education
Ended around 1919 with rise of Gandhian era
Answer: Option 1 → 1905–1919
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 16 June 2026 Shift 1 · Extremists - leaders and methods

Q6. Which feature correctly describes the extremists’ use of religious symbolism?

  1. (a) Cultural symbols like Shivaji and Ganapati were used for political mobilisation.
  2. (b) Ritual worship was introduced into political meetings to replace speeches.
  3. (c) All movements were confined exclusively to Hindu religious gatherings.
  4. (d) Festivals were reorganised to discourage participation from non-Hindu groups
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Cultural symbols like Shivaji and Ganapati were used for political mobilisation.

Topic:Extremist Movement & Religious Symbolism
Key Features:
Leaders like Tilak used cultural symbols (Shivaji, Ganapati)
to mobilize masses for political awakening.
Ganapati Festival (1893) transformed into public celebration
to unite people against British rule.
Shivaji Festival celebrated Maratha pride and resistance.
These werepolitical tools, not religious exclusion.
Answer: Option 1 → Cultural symbols like Shivaji and Ganapati were used for political mobilisation.
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 15 June 2026 Shift 2 · Foundation of the INC (1885)

Q7. Who among the following presided over the first session of the Indian National Congress held in 1885?

  1. (a) Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee
  2. (b) Dadabhai Naoroji
  3. (c) Dinshaw Wacha
  4. (d) Allan Octavian Hume
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee

Topic:Indian National Congress - First Session (1885)
Founder:Allan Octavian Hume (British civil servant)
First Session:Held in Bombay (Mumbai), December 1885
First President:Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee (Bengali lawyer)
72 delegates attended the first session
Answer: Option 1 → Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 14 June 2026 Shift 1 · Moderates - leaders and methods

Q8. Why were the early Congress leaders described as “Moderates” during the period 1885–1905?

  1. (a) They supported organised resistance through secret groups to push for administrative changes.
  2. (b) They pursued immediate self-rule through direct political confrontation with colonial authorities.
  3. (c) They rejected council participation and insisted on mass mobilisation to secure wider reforms.
  4. (d) They adopted constitutional methods such as petitions and discussions to seek political reforms.
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) They adopted constitutional methods such as petitions and discussions to seek political reforms.

Early Congress Leaders (1885-1905): Moderates
The term 'Moderates' referred to their approach and methods:
Key Characteristics:
• Believed in constitutional and peaceful methods
• Used petitions, resolutions, and discussions with British
• Had faith in British sense of justice and fair play
• Participated in legislative councils
• Leaders: Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Surendranath Banerjee
Methods Used:
Prayers, petitions, meetings, and persuasion (3 P's)
Answer: Option 4 → They adopted constitutional methods such as petitions and discussions to seek political reforms.
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 9 May 2026 Shift 3 · Extremists - leaders and methods

Q9. What was the fundamental change introduced by the Extremist leaders in Indian nationalism?

  1. (a) Articulation of ‘Swaraj’ with radical methods
  2. (b) Support for cooperative political dialogue
  3. (c) Emphasis on gradual constitutional reforms
  4. (d) Promotion of Western education
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Articulation of ‘Swaraj’ with radical methods

Extremist Leaders in Indian Nationalism
The Extremist leaders (Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, Bipin Chandra Pal) emerged in early 1900s.
Fundamental Change:
They rejected Moderates' petitions and prayers approach.
Introduced concept of'Swaraj' (Self-rule)as birthright.
Adoptedradical methods: Boycott, Swadeshi, National Education.
Moderates wanted gradual reforms through dialogue.
Extremists demanded complete self-governance through mass mobilization.
Answer: Option 1 → Articulation of 'Swaraj' with radical methods
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 8 May 2026 Shift 2 · Extremists - leaders and methods

Q10. How did Aurobindo Ghosh contribute to the extremist phase of the Indian national movement?

  1. (a) Promoting passive resistance and boycott by linking nationalism with spiritual ideals
  2. (b) Promoting constitutional agitation through petitions and legislative reforms
  3. (c) Organising revolutionary activities based on socialist and labour ideologies
  4. (d) Leading peasant movements focused on agrarian tax reduction campaigns
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Promoting passive resistance and boycott by linking nationalism with spiritual ideals

Aurobindo Ghosh - Extremist Leader
Key Contributions:
• Editor ofBande MataramandKarmayoginnewspapers
• Advocatedpassive resistance, boycott, and swadeshi
• Linked nationalism withspiritual and cultural revival
• Promoted idea ofcomplete independence (Purna Swaraj)
Philosophy:
Combined political extremism with spiritual nationalism
Rejected moderate methods of petitions and prayers
Answer: Option 1 → Promoting passive resistance and boycott by linking nationalism with spiritual ideals
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 8 May 2026 Shift 2 · Moderates - leaders and methods

Q11. Gopal Krishan Gokhale went to England in 1897 to give evidence before which commission?

  1. (a) Welby Commission
  2. (b) Hunter Commission
  3. (c) Raleigh Commission
  4. (d) Fraser Commission
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Welby Commission

Gopal Krishna Gokhale and the Welby Commission (1897)
TheWelby Commission(1895-1900) was set up to examine
the financial relations between India and Britain.
Gokhale went to England in 1897 as a witness to present
India's case regarding the economic drain of wealth.
He highlighted the burden of Home Charges and military
expenditure imposed on India by British rule.
Answer: Option 1 → Welby Commission
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 8 May 2026 Shift 2 · Moderates - leaders and methods

Q12. Who among the following was a prominent Moderate leader of the Indian National Congress?

  1. (a) Subhas Chandra Bose
  2. (b) Bhagat Singh
  3. (c) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
  4. (d) Pherozeshah Mehta
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Pherozeshah Mehta

Topic: Indian National Congress - Moderate Leaders
Moderates (1885-1905):Believed in constitutional methods, petitions, prayers.
Pherozeshah Mehta:Founding member of INC, prominent Moderate leader from Bombay.
Others:
• Subhas Chandra Bose → Extremist/Revolutionary leader
• Bhagat Singh → Revolutionary freedom fighter
• Bal Gangadhar Tilak → Extremist leader (Lal-Bal-Pal trio)
Answer: Option 4 → Pherozeshah Mehta
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2025-26 – 7 May 2026 Shift 3 · Pre-Congress political associations

Q13. Which prominent Indian reformer founded the Poona Sarvajanik Sabha during the Indian National movement?

  1. (a) Gopal Hari Deshmukh (Lokhitwadi)
  2. (b) Mahadev Govind Ranade
  3. (c) Dadabhai Naoroji
  4. (d) Gopal Krishna Gokhale
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Mahadev Govind Ranade

Topic: Indian National Movement - Social Reform Organizations
Poona Sarvajanik Sabha (1870)
Founded byMahadev Govind Ranadein Pune, Maharashtra.
Key Facts:
• One of the earliest political organizations in India
• Focused on social reforms and political representation
• Ranade was a prominent judge, scholar, and social reformer
Answer: Option 2 → Mahadev Govind Ranade
RRB NTPC GL CBT-1 2025-26 – 27 March 2026 Shift 1 · Pre-Congress political associations

Q14. Who among the following leaders founded the Indian National Association in 1876?

  1. (a) Surendranath Banerjee and Ananda Mohan Bose
  2. (b) Dadabhai Naoroji and Gopal Krishna Gokhale
  3. (c) Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Bipin Chandra Pal
  4. (d) Dadabhai Naoroji and Debendranath Tagore
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Surendranath Banerjee and Ananda Mohan Bose

Indian National Association (1876)
Founded by:Surendranath BanerjeeandAnanda Mohan Bose
Key Facts:
- First political organization in Bengal before INC (1885)
- Aimed at creating strong public opinion on political issues
- Merged with Indian National Congress in 1886
Answer: Option 1 → Surendranath Banerjee and Ananda Mohan Bose
RRB NTPC GL CBT-1 2025-26 – 25 March 2026 Shift 2 · Moderates - leaders and methods

Q15. Which of the following best explains the Indian National Congress’s stance on communal politics during the Moderate phase?

  1. (a) Maintained a secular approach in its programmes and demands
  2. (b) Limited organisational participation to a single religious group
  3. (c) Accepted political demands based on religious identities
  4. (d) Aligned itself with leaders of specific religious communities
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Maintained a secular approach in its programmes and demands

Topic:Indian National Congress - Moderate Phase (1885-1905)
The Moderates believed in constitutional methods and reforms.
Key Characteristics:
- Focused on political and economic reforms for all Indians
- Avoided religious or communal divisions in their demands
- Leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale promoted unity
- Emphasized secular nationalism over religious identity
The Congress maintained asecular approachin its programmes,
seeking rights and representation for Indians regardless of religion.
Answer: Option 1 → Maintained a secular approach in its programmes and demands
RRB NTPC GL CBT-1 2025-26 – 22 March 2026 Shift 3 · Extremists - leaders and methods

Q16. In which year was Bal Gangadhar Tilak arrested by the British authorities for writing a seditious article in the newspaper ‘Kesari’?

  1. (a) 1910
  2. (b) 1907
  3. (c) 1908
  4. (d) 1909
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) 1908

Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Sedition Case
Tilak was arrested in1908for writing seditious articles in his newspaper'Kesari'.
The articles supported revolutionary activities after the Muzaffarpur bomb case.
He was sentenced to6 years imprisonmentin Mandalay, Burma.
This was his second sedition trial (first was in 1897).
Answer: Option 3 → 1908
RRB NTPC GL CBT-1 2025-26 – 19 March 2026 Shift 1 · Extremists - leaders and methods

Q17. Which Indian nationalist leader emerged as a prominent figure of the extremist phase of the freedom movement, emphasizing direct action and mass mobilisation ?

  1. (a) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
  2. (b) Surendranath Banerjee
  3. (c) Gopal Krishna Gokhale
  4. (d) Dadabhai Naoroji
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Bal Gangadhar Tilak

Topic:Extremist Phase of Indian Freedom Movement
Bal Gangadhar Tilakwas the leading extremist leader.
Known as 'Lokmanya' and 'Father of Indian Unrest'.
Famous slogan:'Swaraj is my birthright'.
Emphasized direct action, mass mobilization, boycott.
Other leaders were moderates who believed in petitions.
Answer: Option 1 → Bal Gangadhar Tilak
RRB NTPC GL CBT-1 2025-26 – 19 March 2026 Shift 3 · INC sessions, venues and presidents

Q18. Which of the following statements is INCORRECT in the context of the Indian National Congress (INC)?

  1. (a) George Yule was the first non-Indian President of the INC
  2. (b) Dadabhai Naoroji was the first Parsi President of the INC
  3. (c) Badruddin Tyabji was the first Jainist President of the INC
  4. (d) Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee was the first Hindu President of the INC
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Badruddin Tyabji was the first Jainist President of the INC

Topic: Indian National Congress Presidents
Analyzing each statement:
Statement 1:George Yule (1888) - First non-Indian President ✓
Statement 2:Dadabhai Naoroji (1886) - First Parsi President ✓
Statement 3:Badruddin Tyabji (1887) - FirstMuslimPresident, NOT Jainist ✗
Statement 4:W.C. Bonnerjee (1885) - First President and Hindu ✓
Key Fact:Badruddin Tyabji was a prominent Muslim leader and lawyer, not a Jainist.
Answer: Option 3 → Badruddin Tyabji was the first Jainist President of the INC
RRB NTPC GL CBT-1 2025-26 – 17 March 2026 Shift 1 · Moderates - leaders and methods

Q19. Which of the following methods was characteristically adopted by the Moderates during the early phase of the Indian national movement?

  1. (a) Swadeshi Movement
  2. (b) Constitutional reforms
  3. (c) Promotion of Vedic education
  4. (d) Boycott of foreign goods and institutions
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Constitutional reforms

Moderates' Characteristic Methods:
- Constitutional and legal methods
- Petitions, prayers, and resolutions
- Faith in British justice and liberalism
- Gradual reforms through dialogue
Analysis of Options:
Swadeshi Movement & Boycott → Extremist methods (post-1905)
Promotion of Vedic education → Not a political method
Constitutional reforms → Core Moderate approach
Answer: Option 2 → Constitutional reforms
RRB Technician Grade III 2025-26 – 9 March 2026 Shift 2 · Surat Split

Q20. At which session of the Indian National Congress did the party formally split into the Moderates and the Extremists?

  1. (a) Surat session 1907
  2. (b) Calcutta session 1906
  3. (c) Delhi session 1912
  4. (d) Bombay session 1910
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Surat session 1907

Correct answer is Option 1: Surat session 1907.
At the Surat session of the Indian National Congress in 1907, the party formally split into two groups: the Moderates and the Extremists.
This split was due to differences in approach towards British rule and the methods to be used for achieving self-rule.
The Moderates favoured constitutional methods, whereas the Extremists supported more direct action including boycotts and protests.
Therefore, the significant division occurred at the Surat session in 1907.
Answer closed with option 1.
RRB Technician Grade III 2025-26 – 6 March 2026 Shift 1 · Foundation of the INC (1885)

Q21. Who was chosen as the first president of the Indian National Congress (INC) during its first session?

  1. (a) Surendranath Banerjee
  2. (b) Bipin Chandra Pal
  3. (c) Pherozeshah Mehta
  4. (d) Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee

The first president of the Indian National Congress during its inaugural session in 1885 was Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee.
He was a respected barrister and played a key role in the early years of the Congress.
Therefore, option 4 is correct.
This is a commonly asked fact in Indian history sections of competitive exams.
Final answer: Option 4
RRB JE CBT-1 2025-26 – 25 February 2026 · Moderates - leaders and methods

Q22. Which demand advanced by the Moderate leadership of the Indian National Congress (1885–1905) most clearly reflected their objective of expanding Indian involvement within colonial decision-making structures?

  1. (a) Curtailment of regressive indirect taxation
  2. (b) Preferential allocation of bureaucratic appointments to Indians
  3. (c) Expansion of legislative councils for Indian representation
  4. (d) Immediate transfer of political authority to Indian hands
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Expansion of legislative councils for Indian representation

Option 3 is correct: Expansion of legislative councils for Indian representation.
The Moderate leaders aimed to increase Indian participation within British colonial administration.
They sought reforms that allowed more Indians in legislative councils.
This demand was moderate, reflecting their goal to work within British rules rather than seeking immediate independence.
Options 1 and 2 show specific policy or appointments, less central to their overall political strategy.
Option 4 is a radical demand associated more with extremists, not moderates.
Thus, expanding legislative councils best represents their objective.
Final answer: Option 3
SSC MTS 2025 – 13 February 2026 Shift 3 · Foundation of the INC (1885)

Q23. Womesh Chandra Banerjee was the first President of which political organization?

  1. (a) Gadar Party
  2. (b) Swaraj Party
  3. (c) Indian National Army
  4. (d) Indian National Congress
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Indian National Congress

Womesh Chandra Banerjee (also written as W.C. Bonnerjee) was the first President of the Indian National Congress (INC), elected at the inaugural session held in Bombay (Mumbai) in December 1885. The INC was founded by A.O. Hume with the aim of obtaining greater civil rights for Indians under British rule.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Gadar Party: Founded in 1913 by Lala Har Dayal in the USA; W.C. Banerjee was not associated with it.
- Swaraj Party: Founded in 1923 by C.R. Das and Motilal Nehru; W.C. Banerjee predates this party.
- Indian National Army: Formed during World War II; W.C. Banerjee was a 19th-century figure with no connection to the INA.
SSC MTS 2025 – 10 February 2026 Shift 3 · Moderates - leaders and methods

Q24. Whom did Mahatma Gandhi regard as his mentor?

  1. (a) Lala Lajpat Rai
  2. (b) Dadabhai Naoroji
  3. (c) Subhash Chandra Bose
  4. (d) Gopal Krishna Gokhale
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Gopal Krishna Gokhale

The correct answer is Gopal Krishna Gokhale (Option 4). Mahatma Gandhi considered Gopal Krishna Gokhale as his political mentor and guide. Gokhale was a moderate leader of the Indian National Congress and founder of the Servants of India Society. Gandhi acknowledged Gokhale's influence in shaping his political philosophy upon returning from South Africa. Option 1 (Lala Lajpat Rai) was a radical Congressman. Option 2 (Dadabhai Naoroji) was Gandhi's elder though not his mentor. Option 3 (Subhash Chandra Bose) was junior to Gandhi and had ideological differences.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 6 January 2026 Shift 1 · INC sessions, venues and presidents

Q25. The first Indian woman to preside over an Indian National Congress Session:

  1. (a) Sarojini Naidu
  2. (b) Sucheta Kriplani
  3. (c) Vijayalakshmi Pandit
  4. (d) Annie Besant
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Sarojini Naidu

The correct answer is (a) Sarojini Naidu.
Sarojini Naidu (the Nightingale of India) became the first Indian woman to preside over the Indian National Congress when she was elected President of the INC at its Kanpur Session in 1925. Annie Besant had earlier presided (1917), but she was British, not Indian.
(b) Sucheta Kriplani: A prominent freedom fighter who later became the first woman Chief Minister of an Indian state (Uttar Pradesh, 1963); was not the first woman INC president.
(c) Vijayalakshmi Pandit: Nehru's sister and an eminent diplomat; was not the first Indian woman to preside over the INC.
(d) Annie Besant: A British social reformer and theosophist who presided over the INC Calcutta Session in 1917; she was the first woman to preside over the INC, but she was British, not Indian. Sarojini Naidu was the first INDIAN woman to do so.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 6 January 2026 Shift 2 · Surat Split

Q26. In which year did the Indian National Congress split after witnessing a sharp ideological division between the Extremists and the Moderates?

  1. (a) 1905
  2. (b) 1907
  3. (c) 1919
  4. (d) 1920
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) 1907

The correct answer is (b) 1907.
The Indian National Congress split into two factions — the Extremists (led by Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Lala Lajpat Rai) and the Moderates (led by Gopal Krishna Gokhale) — at the Surat Session of 1907. The split occurred primarily over the issues of Swadeshi, boycott, national education, and self-government (Swaraj), as well as the extension of the boycott movement beyond Bengal.
(a) 1905: The partition of Bengal occurred in 1905, which triggered the Swadeshi Movement; the INC split came later in 1907.
(c) 1919: The INC adopted the non-cooperation movement in 1919-1920; not the year of the Extremist-Moderate split.
(d) 1920: The Congress adopted Gandhi's Non-Cooperation Movement; not the Extremist-Moderate split year.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 6 January 2026 Shift 3 · Foundation of the INC (1885)

Q27. The Indian National Congress (INC) was founded in 1885 by which retired British civil servant?

  1. (a) Lord Dufferin
  2. (b) A.O. Hume
  3. (c) William Wedderburn
  4. (d) Lord Ripon
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) A.O. Hume

The correct answer is (b) A.O. Hume.
Allan Octavian Hume (1829-1912), a retired Indian Civil Service officer and ornithologist, founded the Indian National Congress in December 1885. The first session was held in Bombay, presided over by Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee. Hume believed that a political safety valve for Indian nationalism would be beneficial.
(a) Lord Dufferin: Was the Viceroy of India when INC was founded; he encouraged Hume's initiative but did not found the INC himself.
(c) William Wedderburn: Another retired ICS officer who was sympathetic to the Indian cause and later served as INC president (1889 and 1910); did not found the INC.
(d) Lord Ripon: Was Viceroy of India (1880-1884), known for the Ilbert Bill controversy and local self-government; not the founder of INC.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 5 January 2026 Shift 2 · Foundation of the INC (1885)

Q28. The first session of the Indian National Congress (INC) was held in 1885 in which city?

  1. (a) Calcutta
  2. (b) Madras
  3. (c) Delhi
  4. (d) Bombay (Mumbai)
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Bombay (Mumbai)

The correct answer is (d) Bombay (Mumbai).
The first session of the Indian National Congress was held on December 28-31, 1885 at Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College in Bombay (now Mumbai). It was founded by A.O. Hume, Dadabhai Naoroji, and Dinshaw Wacha. Womesh Chunder Bonnerjee served as the first president. The session had 72 delegates.
(a) Calcutta: The second INC session (1886) was held in Calcutta; not the first.
(b) Madras: The third INC session (1887) was held in Madras; not the first.
(c) Delhi: The INC has held sessions in Delhi but the historic inaugural session was in Bombay.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 5 January 2026 Shift 3 · Pre-Congress political associations

Q29. Which organization was formed after the Ilbert Bill controversy of 1883, which exposed racial tensions in colonial India by proposing that Indian judges could try European offenders?

  1. (a) Anglo-Indian Protection Society
  2. (b) India Reform Society
  3. (c) European Defence Association
  4. (d) British Indian League
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) European Defence Association

The correct answer is (c) European Defence Association.
The Ilbert Bill controversy of 1883 exposed deep racial tensions in British India. The bill proposed allowing Indian magistrates to try European subjects — something Europeans fiercely opposed. In response, the European settler community formed the European and Anglo-Indian Defence Association (commonly called the European Defence Association) to oppose the bill and defend their racial privileges.
(a) Anglo-Indian Protection Society: Not the primary organization formed from the Ilbert Bill controversy.
(b) India Reform Society: Not associated with the Ilbert Bill controversy.
(d) British Indian League: Not the organization formed specifically in response to the Ilbert Bill controversy.
Delhi Police Constable (Exe) 2025-26 – 2 January 2026 Shift 3 · INC sessions, venues and presidents

Q30. Who was the first British person to become the President of the Indian National Congress?

  1. (a) A.O. Hume
  2. (b) William Wedderburn
  3. (c) George Yule
  4. (d) Alfred Webb
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) George Yule

George Yule was the first British person to become President of the Indian National Congress, presiding over its 4th session held in Allahabad in 1888. A.O. Hume, while the founder of the INC, never served as its President.
(a) Incorrect: A.O. Hume FOUNDED the Indian National Congress in 1885 and served as General Secretary, but he never held the position of INC President.
(b) Incorrect: William Wedderburn served as INC President in 1889 (5th session) and 1910 (25th session), but George Yule was the FIRST British person to hold this position (1888).
(c) Incorrect: Alfred Webb served as INC President in 1894 (10th session, Madras), after George Yule had already become the first British INC President.
SSC Stenographer 2025 – 7 December 2025 Shift 3 · INC sessions, venues and presidents

Q31. Who was the first woman to be the president of the Indian National Congress?

  1. (a) Annie Besant
  2. (b) Kasturba Gandhi
  3. (c) Sarojini Naidu
  4. (d) Kamala Nehru
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Annie Besant

The first woman to become the President of the Indian National Congress was Annie Besant in 1917 at the Calcutta Session. She was a theosophist, social reformer, and supporter of Indian self-rule. Later, Sarojini Naidu became the first Indian woman President of the Congress in 1925 at the Kanpur Session.
SSC CHSL Tier-1 2025 – 25 November 2025 Shift 3 · Extremists - leaders and methods

Q32. Who among the following criticised the Moderates for their "politics of prayer"?
I. Bepin Chandra Pal
II. Bal Gangadhar Tilak
III. Lala Lajpat Rai

  1. (a) Only I and II
  2. (b) Only II and III
  3. (c) Only I and III
  4. (d) I, II and III
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) I, II and III

All three — Bepin Chandra Pal, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and Lala Lajpat Rai — collectively known as 'Lal-Bal-Pal' — were Extremist leaders of the Indian National Congress who criticised the Moderate leaders for their 'politics of prayer, petition, and protest'. They believed in assertive nationalism and direct action to achieve Swaraj.
Excluding any one of them would be incorrect as all three were united in their criticism. Hence, I, II and III is correct.
RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2024-25 – 9 September 2025 Shift 2 · Surat Split

Q33. Which of the following events led to the division of the Indian National Congress into Moderates and Extremists in 1907?

  1. (a) Surat Session
  2. (b) Arrival of Simon Commission
  3. (c) Partition of Bengal
  4. (d) Formation of Muslim League
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Surat Session

RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2024-25 – 9 September 2025 Shift 3 · Extremists - leaders and methods

Q34. What was the Extremists’ method to resist British policies apart from agitation and boycott?

  1. (a) Cultural assimilation
  2. (b) Passive resistance
  3. (c) Armed rebellion
  4. (d) Petitioning Parliament
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Passive resistance

RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2024-25 – 4 September 2025 Shift 2 · INC sessions, venues and presidents

Q35. The first session of the Indian National Congress was presided by ______.

  1. (a) Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee
  2. (b) Dadabhai Naoroji
  3. (c) Mahadev Govind Ranade
  4. (d) Gopal Krishna Gokhale
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee

RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2024-25 – 29 August 2025 Shift 3 · Extremists - leaders and methods

Q36. He was a militant nationalist who believed that the only way to India’s freedom is through mass protests, especially by the youth. For this purpose, he began celebrating local festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi and Shivaji Jayanti on a grand scale, urging the youth to join in. He was also the editor of ‘Kesari’, a Marathi newspaper, which became one of the strongest critics of British rule. The leader in question is:

  1. (a) Bipin Chandra Pal
  2. (b) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
  3. (c) Lala Lajpat Rai
  4. (d) Gopal Krishna Gokhale
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Bal Gangadhar Tilak

RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2024-25 – 21 August 2025 Shift 1 · Extremists - leaders and methods

Q37. Which trio of leaders is famously associated with the rise of Extremist ideology in Indian nationalism?

  1. (a) Gokhale-Tilak-Gandhi
  2. (b) Nehru-Gandhi-Patel
  3. (c) Lal-Bal-Pal
  4. (d) Aurobindo-Lajpat Rai-Gokhale
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Lal-Bal-Pal

RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2024-25 – 21 August 2025 Shift 3 · Foundation of the INC (1885)

Q38. Who among the following had given the idea to mobilise all the leading Indian political leaders under a common platform called the Indian National Congress?

  1. (a) A O Hume
  2. (b) Ananda Mohan Bose
  3. (c) Surendranath Bannerjee
  4. (d) W C Bannerjee
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) A O Hume

RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2024-25 – 19 August 2025 Shift 3 · INC sessions, venues and presidents

Q39. Who first presided over the first Indian National Congress session at Mumbai?

  1. (a) W C Bannerjee
  2. (b) Dadabhai Naoroji
  3. (c) Surendranath Bannerjee
  4. (d) Anand Mohan Bose
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) W C Bannerjee

RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2024-25 – 18 August 2025 Shift 2 · Extremists - leaders and methods

Q40. In which of the following years did Sri Aurobindo resign from his post in Baroda and move to Calcutta, where he soon became one of the leaders of the Nationalist movement?

  1. (a) 1916
  2. (b) 1914
  3. (c) 1906
  4. (d) 1910
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) 1906

RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2024-25 – 13 August 2025 Shift 2 · Foundation of the INC (1885)

Q41. Who among the following had given the idea to mobilise all the leading Indian political leaders under a common platform called the Indian National Congress?

  1. (a) W C Bannerjee
  2. (b) A O Hume
  3. (c) Ananda Mohan Bose
  4. (d) Surendranath Bannerjee
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) A O Hume

RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2024-25 – 13 August 2025 Shift 3 · Extremists - leaders and methods

Q42. What key emotion did the Extremists aim to arouse in people against British colonial rule?

  1. (a) Fear
  2. (b) Loyalty
  3. (c) Sympathy
  4. (d) Indignation
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Indignation

RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2024-25 – 12 August 2025 Shift 2 · Extremists - leaders and methods

Q43. Which of the following best defines the strategy of Passive Resistance as advocated by Extremists?

  1. (a) Assassination of British officers
  2. (b) Armed confrontation with colonial forces
  3. (c) Boycott, Swadeshi and non-cooperation with rulers
  4. (d) Military training of Indian youth abroad
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Boycott, Swadeshi and non-cooperation with rulers

RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2024-25 – 11 August 2025 Shift 3 · Extremists - leaders and methods

Q44. Who among the following was arrested and imprisoned for refusing to give evidence against Aurobindo Ghosh in the Bande Mataram conspiracy case?

  1. (a) Garimella Satyanarayana
  2. (b) Peer Ali Khan
  3. (c) Kanaiyalal Maneklal Munshi
  4. (d) Bipin Chandra Pal
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Bipin Chandra Pal

RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2024-25 – 7 August 2025 Shift 1 · Surat Split

Q45. Which event marked the pivot moment in the extremist and moderate struggle during the Indian freedom struggle?

  1. (a) Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
  2. (b) Champaran Satyagraha
  3. (c) Partition of Bengal
  4. (d) Surat Split
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Surat Split

RRB NTPC UG CBT-1 2024-25 – 7 August 2025 Shift 2 · Moderates - leaders and methods

Q46. Which method best characterises the approach of the Moderates?

  1. (a) Armed revolution
  2. (b) Guerrilla warfare
  3. (c) Cultural renaissance
  4. (d) Petition and prayer
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Petition and prayer

RRB NTPC GL CBT-1 2024-25 – 23 June 2025 Shift 1 · Extremists - leaders and methods

Q47. Which prominent Indian freedom fighter was imprisoned in Mandalay Jail, Burma?

  1. (a) Mahatma Gandhi
  2. (b) Jawaharlal Nehru
  3. (c) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
  4. (d) Subhas Chandra Bose
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Bal Gangadhar Tilak

RRB NTPC GL CBT-1 2024-25 – 20 June 2025 Shift 1 · INC sessions, venues and presidents

Q48. Which of the following sessions of the INC passed a resolution opposing the Arms Act and the Vernacular Press Act?

  1. (a) 1887 Madras
  2. (b) 1895 Poona
  3. (c) 1885 Bombay
  4. (d) 1888 Allahabad
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) 1885 Bombay

RRB NTPC GL CBT-1 2024-25 – 20 June 2025 Shift 1 · INC sessions, venues and presidents

Q49. During the 1886 session of the Indian National Congress in Calcutta, a major demand was raised for simultaneous Indian Civil Service examinations in England and India. Who presided over this session?

  1. (a) Dadabhai Naoroji
  2. (b) Surendranath Banerjee
  3. (c) Badruddin Tyabji
  4. (d) WC Bonnerjee
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Dadabhai Naoroji

RRB NTPC GL CBT-1 2024-25 – 18 June 2025 Shift 1 · Foundation of the INC (1885)

Q50. Which British Viceroy described the Congress as representing only a 'microscopic minority' of the Indian population, thereby dismissing its political relevance?

  1. (a) Lord Ripon
  2. (b) Lord Dufferin
  3. (c) Lord Lytton
  4. (d) Lord Curzon
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Lord Dufferin

RRB NTPC GL CBT-1 2024-25 – 18 June 2025 Shift 3 · INC sessions, venues and presidents

Q51. In which early INC session was the demand first raised for the Indianisation of the higher administrative services, including the civil services?

  1. (a) Calcutta Session, 1886
  2. (b) Madras Session, 1887
  3. (c) Bombay Session, 1885
  4. (d) Allahabad Session, 1890
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Bombay Session, 1885

RRB NTPC GL CBT-1 2024-25 – 17 June 2025 Shift 3 · Extremists - leaders and methods

Q52. The period from 1905 to 1917 is known as the "Extremist Phase" in the Indian National Movement. Which of the following leaders was NOT associated with the extremist ideology during this time?

  1. (a) Bipin Chandra Pal
  2. (b) Gopal Krishna Gokhale
  3. (c) Lala Lajpat Rai
  4. (d) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Gopal Krishna Gokhale

RRB NTPC GL CBT-1 2024-25 – 16 June 2025 Shift 3 · INC sessions, venues and presidents

Q53. What was the main issue debated during the 1905 Banaras Session of the INC, right after the announcement of Bengal’s partition?

  1. (a) Immediate resignation of British administrators in Bengal
  2. (b) Use of Swadeshi and Boycott
  3. (c) Formation of All India Muslim League
  4. (d) Demand for Swaraj
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Use of Swadeshi and Boycott

RRB NTPC GL CBT-1 2024-25 – 10 June 2025 Shift 1 · INC sessions, venues and presidents

Q54. In 1892, the Indian National Congress passed a significant resolution at its Allahabad Session, which was a demand for the inclusion of Indians in which of the following?

  1. (a) Provincial Assemblies
  2. (b) Legislative Council
  3. (c) Viceroy’s Council
  4. (d) Civil Services
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Legislative Council

RRB NTPC GL CBT-1 2024-25 – 9 June 2025 Shift 3 · Foundation of the INC (1885)

Q55. Who is most commonly associated with the 'safety valve' theory regarding the formation of the Indian National Congress?

  1. (a) WC Bannerji
  2. (b) AO Hume
  3. (c) Dadabhai Naoroji
  4. (d) Lord Dufferin
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) AO Hume

RRB NTPC GL CBT-1 2024-25 – 6 June 2025 Shift 1 · Moderates - leaders and methods

Q56. Who among the following is NOT considered a leader of the Moderates in the Indian National Congress?

  1. (a) Aurobindo Ghosh
  2. (b) Ferozshah Mehta
  3. (c) Gopal Krishna Gokhale
  4. (d) Dadabhai Naoroji
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Aurobindo Ghosh

RRB NTPC GL CBT-1 2024-25 – 5 June 2025 Shift 3 · Foundation of the INC (1885)

Q57. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Indian National Congress (INC)?
a) The INC was founded in 1885 by Allan Octavian Hume.
b) The first session of the INC was held in Pune under the presidency of WC Bonnerjee.

  1. (a) Neither a nor b
  2. (b) Only b
  3. (c) Only a
  4. (d) Both a and b
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Only a

RRB JE CBT-1 2024-25 – 17 December 2024 Shift 3 · Foundation of the INC (1885)

Q58. The first President of the Indian National Congress was __________.

  1. (a) Womesh Chandra Banerjee
  2. (b) Ras Behari Bose
  3. (c) Dada Bhai Naoroji
  4. (d) Gopal Krishna Gokhale
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Womesh Chandra Banerjee

Answer: Option 1 — Womesh Chandra Banerjee
Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee, a Calcutta barrister, presided over the first session of the Indian National Congress at Bombay in December 1885.
Revision note — Early Congress
• The INC was founded in 1885 by A. O. Hume, a retired British civil servant.
• First session: 28–31 December 1885, Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College, Bombay, with 72 delegates; it was shifted from Pune because of cholera.
• 2nd session 1886, Calcutta — president Dadabhai Naoroji (first Parsi president).
• 3rd session 1887, Madras — Badruddin Tyabji (first Muslim president).
• 4th session 1888, Allahabad — George Yule (first British president).
• First woman president Annie Besant (1917, Calcutta); first Indian woman president Sarojini Naidu (1925, Kanpur).
Do not mix these up
• Founder vs first president — A. O. Hume founded the Congress; W. C. Bonnerjee was its first president.
Also asked from this topic: the city of the first INC session (Bombay); the first Muslim president of the INC (Badruddin Tyabji); the first woman president of the INC (Annie Besant).
RRB JE CBT-1 2024-25 – 16 December 2024 Shift 1 · Foundation of the INC (1885)

Q59. The first session of Indian National Congress took place at which of the following places?

  1. (a) Bombay
  2. (b) Lahore
  3. (c) Allahabad
  4. (d) Calcutta
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Bombay

Answer: Option 1 — Bombay
The first session of the Indian National Congress met in Bombay on 28–31 December 1885, at the Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College.
Revision note — Foundation of the Indian National Congress
• Founded by A.O. Hume, a retired British civil servant, who became its first General Secretary.
• First President: W.C. Bonnerjee; 72 delegates attended.
• The session was planned for Poona but moved to Bombay because of a cholera outbreak.
• 2nd session: Calcutta, 1886 (Dadabhai Naoroji); 3rd: Madras, 1887 (Badruddin Tyabji, first Muslim president).
• First British president: George Yule (Allahabad, 1888); first woman president: Annie Besant (Calcutta, 1917).
• First Indian woman president: Sarojini Naidu (Kanpur, 1925).
• Viceroy at the time of its founding: Lord Dufferin.
Also asked from this topic: the first President of the INC (W.C. Bonnerjee); the founder of the INC (A.O. Hume); the first British President (George Yule, 1888); the first woman President (Annie Besant, 1917).

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